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Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ

Ernie awarded for over 50 years service

Ernie Rhoden was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Education

Ernie Rhoden was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Education in the New Year’s Honours List on Saturday 29th December 2019.

Ernie was presented with the award by Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE. Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.  He and his family enjoyed this very special day, and it will be one they remember for a long time.

Ernie started his career as a science technician in Morpeth secondary school in the East End of London around 1963. He was invited to join the Science Department at the newly formed Maria Fidelis School in 1974 and has been in post as the Senior Science Technician since that date. In total, he has worked at the school for 47 years but has served as a technician for over 57 years.

He is a trusted and dedicated colleague who makes a real contribution the lives of those around him, and we were all very proud when he was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to education in the New Year’s Honours List announced on Saturday 29th December 2019.

The investiture was due to take place at the Tower of London on 24th April 2020 and this was to be followed by a visit to Buckingham Palace in May to attend the garden party. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions in place because of the coronavirus, this had to be rescheduled and so finally on 12th November the official ceremony took place.

All the staff want to congratulate our friend and colleague and wish him a long and happy future in the Science Department at Maria Fidelis.